Abstract

Background

The relationship between resistin and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is not
clear, some studies claimed that serum resistin levels were associated with neither
the presence of NASH nor its severity, others declared that serum resistin was related
with inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. Our animal study verified that the distribution
of resistin in the liver is correlated with inflammation in NASH. However, there is
no pertinent study in humans.

Results

Serum resistin was significantly elevated in both NASH and simple steatotic subjects
compared with controls (all P < 0.05). Hepatic resistin was significantly increased in NASH patients in both mRNA
and protein levels than those in simple steatosis and control subjects (all P < 0.05). Both serum and hepatic resistin had a correlation with obesity, but not
with insulin resistance. The distribution of resistin positive cells was predominantly
in perisinusoidal cells (such as Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells) in human
NASH. Multivariate analysis revealed that waist-hip ratio, higher serum triglyceride,
and hyperresistinemia were independent factors related to higher grade of steatosis;
whereas hepatic resistin and serum cytokeratin predict NASH and severity of liver
fibrosis.

Conclusions

Hepatic resistin overexpression in NASH patients is associated with the severity of
liver inflammation and fibrosis. Liver-derived resistin may be involved in the pathogenesis
of human NASH.